Jesus prayed to His Father, and He taught his disciples to pray (Matthew 16:9; Luke 18:1). The apostles prayed to God, and they taught saints to pray (Acts 4:24; Colossians 4:2). This is reason enough to pray. But consider a few other reasons we ought to be praying.
We ought to pray because we believe and know that God is near and hears the prayers of His children. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).
We ought to pray because we believe and know that God has the power to answer our prayers. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
We ought to pray because God is deserving of our praise and thanksgiving. “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:3). “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Lack of praise and thanksgiving to God is an early step on the road to spiritual ruin (Romans 1:21).
We ought to pray because we stand in need of His blessings, and He can provide for our needs. We need daily physical sustenance from which He is the only source (Matthew 6:11), wisdom (James 1:5), courage and boldness (Acts 4:29), help with cares and anxieties (Philippians 4:6-7), as well as forgiveness when we sin (1 John 1:5-10). And others needs our prayers too, including the lost, civil authorities, enemies, brethren, and family.
And we ought to pray because it is part of being watchful and ready for the Lord’s return. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).
Are you praying as you ought to? Make time to pray!
-Larry Jones